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Christmas Quilt-A-Long starts August 1st!

Monday, July 17, 2017

Do you love trying new things and learning new techniques? Do you want to meet some new quilty friends? Would you like to finish a Christmas quilt BEFORE Christmas? Then you should join me and a dozen bloggers for the "I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long!"

The quilt-a-long (QAL) starts August 1st. Every other Tuesday, a new FREE 12" quilt block pattern and tutorial will be released. If you complete the block before the next pattern release, then you will be entered to win some AMAZING prizes! There are bi-weekly prizes and a mega grand prize too!

Join the I Wish You a Merry Quilt-A-Long Facebook Group to join the party! Designers will post links to the tutorials there, so that is your best way to not miss a single post! You can also ask questions and post pictures of your blocks as you complete them to be entered to win the prizes! (In the Facebook group, the link to the current block will be in the pinned post, and all links to past blocks can be found in the group description.)

In addition, some bloggers will be sewing along and making every block too! These quilt-a-long hosts will share tips and tricks for each block, plus you'll get to see the same block in many different fabrics! These bloggers will be there every step of the way to encourage you to finish the quilt too!

Do I have to make every block? No! This is laid back and meant to be fun! Make the ones you want! You will be eligible to win the bi-weekly prize for each block you complete.Can I join the party late? Yes! You will be eligible to win the bi-weekly prize only while that block is the current block. However, you can always go back and make the previous blocks at any time! At the end of the quilt along, everyone who makes a quilt top using all twelve of the blocks will be entered to win the grand prize!Is this for experienced quilters only? No! The quilt-a-long is for everybody! Every block is unique and uses various techniques. That's why we started a Facebook group - so we can all help each other be successful! Whether you're new or seasoned, I'm sure you'll find this an exciting and fun experience!

Can I see the blocks beforehand? Nope! We are only releasing one block at a time. I know, I know. I'm a control freak too! Trust me, it will be worth it though!Who can participate? You! The bloggers are scattered all across the globe, so we hope to have participants from many countries around the world too! International participants are eligible for all the prizes too!Can I still participate if I'm not on Facebook? Absolutely! If you're on Instagram, use #iwishyouamerryqal to be entered to win. Each designer will also have a linky party on their block post so you can link up blog posts or Flickr photos. If you want to sew along, we will find a way!What are the prizes? There are so many! It's best to keep an eye on the Facebook group, as we will begin sharing the prizes there soon! Just some of the prizes include patterns, batting and products from The Warm Co., thread from Aurifil, a gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop, signed quilt books, precuts, and much more! You won't want to miss a single week!

How much fabric do I need? This is a little tricky. The blocks will each be 12" finished (12 1/2" unfinished) and there will be 12 blocks. You might be able to make the whole quilt from fabrics you have in your stash! I personally chose a limited color palette (red, green, turquoise, black, and white) and decided to play it safe with a yard of each. I will pick up fat quarters of other colors if I need them as I go. You will have two weeks to complete the first block. (And two weeks to complete future blocks too.) Hopefully that timeline will give you a chance to purchase additional fabric throughout the quilt-a-long if needed. If you plan to put your blocks together to make a quilt top, then I suggest 1 yard for sashing and 1 yard for a border. To finish the quilt, you will need 4 yards for backing (or 2 yards of extra-wide backing), a twin size batting, and 1/2 yard for binding. This post discusses fabric options a little more too.

I'm using Moda Bella White 98 (because I always have a bolt on hand!), Kona Black, Kona Breakers, Kona Lipstick, and Kona Cactus. I have a bit of Kona Chocolate and a metallic silver that I'll try and throw into a couple blocks too.

Christmas prints will work great! One of the hosts posted about fabric choices on her blog - be sure to check it out! http://www.snowydaysquilting.com/blog/2017/7/24/i-wish-you-a-merry-quilt-a-long-fabric-options

I'm Laura! I'm a quilter, pattern designer, and homeschooling mom of three boys. I'm also an ex-math teacher - and with a last name like Piland - there's a strong love of pi in our house! I'd love for you to take a look around and leave a comment so I can get to know you! Let's sew something together!

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